On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the Italian Embassy in London hosted the 6th Summit of the Italian Society of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery – SICPRE on Female Genital Mutilation, entitled “Investing in Care and Reconstruction.”
The event was chaired by Ms Aurora Almadori, plastic surgeon and lecturer at University College London and member of the SICPRE Chapter on Female and Male Genital Surgery, in collaboration with the Italian Medical Society of Great Britain (IMSoGB).
The Summit highlighted how plastic and reconstructive surgery can significantly improve the lives of women who have undergone FGM, reducing scarring and restoring form and function. Through advanced reconstructive and regenerative techniques, surgery can improve comfort during urination, movement, sexual intercourse and natural childbirth, and in some cases may help restore normal anatomy.
The United Nations has framed the elimination of FGM as a shared responsibility, recognizing it as a violation of the rights to health, dignity, and physical integrity of women and girls,” stated Amb. Lambertini, introducing the event. “Italy has consistently upheld this commitment by supporting and co-sponsoring key UN resolutions, advancing diplomatic advocacy, and fostering international partnerships. This reflects a broader dedication to human rights and to the empowerment of women and girls worldwide, reaffirming that meaningful progress is achievable only through collective and sustained action.”
The event included a survivor testimony, a SICPRE scientific round table moderated by Prof. Franco Bassetto (SICPRE President), contributions from leading surgeons from Italy and the UK; and a women-led discussion featuring UK and Italian civil society organisations. The event also featured the recital of a poem by Italian actress Violante Placido, as well as an “FGM artwork corner” exhibition.
The Summit on Female Genital Mutilation was launched in 2019 on the initiative of Stefania De Fazio, former President of SICPRE, with a format designed to encourage dialogue, sharing and participation. For this reason, the Summit is itinerant: before arriving in London, it was held in Naples, Padua, Rome, Palermo and Milan.
According to UNICEF and UNFPA, at least 200 million women and girls worldwide live with the consequences of FGM, and 68 million are at risk by 2030. In Italy, the University of Milan–Bicocca estimates that nearly 88,000 women have undergone FGM, including 7,600 minors. In the UK, NHS England estimates that 137,000 women are affected.
